An overview of the six Human Design environments with a dash of Feng Shui.
If you know me, I’ve probably asked you about your Human Design chart. I want to know it all. Your profile, authority, open channels, incarnation cross, digestion, and well, I could go on and on. But! The juiciest part in my opinion is your environment.
In Human Design, your environment is the type of space where your energy thrives most naturally. And with Feng Shui, you can actually shape your physical space to support that environment. When you do this you will feel that your nervous system will come into deeper alignment with your home (or your office, caravan or houseboat). That’s why I always read your Human Design chart before making any changes in your home.
And just a side note about why I, as a Feng Shui consultant, am so obsessed with your chart; Feng Shui and Human Design are connected through the same ancient system. Both draw deeply from the I Ching, an ancient Chinese text made up of 64 archetypes of change. In Human Design, these become the 64 gates, while in Feng Shui, they form the foundation of the Bagua Map. So they fit very well together
Each Human Design environment also comes in two variations, wet and dry, that gives deeper insight into how you’re best supported. But for the sake of clarity, this article will focus on the six main environment types: Caves, Markets, Kitchens, Mountains, Valleys, and Shores.
Cave:
You thrive in spaces that feel secure, enclosed, and controlled. Think cozy nooks, corners, or areas where you can sit with your back to a wall and see who’s entering the room. Privacy and control are key. As a Cave woman myself, I think my worst fear is surprise visits!
If you live with a partner or other people, make sure you have a space just for you. Also alcoves, long curtains, heavy furniture, and warm lighting can bring your body into a deep relaxed state. Eliminate visual clutter and create a grounded, safe atmosphere with earthy tones and soft materials. For you, larger, fewer pieces of furniture is better than a lot of nick-nacks.
Kitchen
Your energy level rises in spaces where things are created, transformed, or “cooked up”, whether it’s food, ideas, or conversations. It would benefit you to engage in spaces that are creative hubs and that allow connection with people.
I will describe this interior style as functional yet inspiring. Open shelving, workbenches, open kitchens and visible creative materials in short reach. For you it might not be so important to have it super tidy all the time. A little creative mess will actually fuel you.
Market
You thrive in places with movement, exchange, and community. Think busy cafés, living rooms with people coming and going, or shared creative spaces. You feel alive when there is interaction and vibrancy.
For your home open-plan spaces, rotating decor, art on the walls, seating arrangements that invite conversation will spark your joy! Keep the energy around you flowing and vibrant. Use mirrors to expand the space, fresh flowers for life force, and ensure people can move freely through your space.
Valley
You thrive in places where people connect and where everyones voice can be heard, ideas shared, and communication flows. Spaces that invites in and encourage connection are your vibe. Think open entryways, inviting living rooms and shared reading or music areas. To ground this moving energy you could benefit from earth toned furniture, and to keep the inspiration going you could add some green vibrant plants.
Mountain
Just like someone with a Cave environment, your body seeks calm environments. But instead of wanting to withdraw in a cave-like environment, you love elevated places where you can gain perspective and withdraw from noise. You do well in minimalist, quiet, uncluttered spaces that give your nervous system room to breathe.
I have noticed that Mountain people get lit up in minimalistic environments where they feel they can think clearly. Other things that support this environment are natural materials, elevated shelves, high ceilings, or upper-floor apartments. If you are a Mountain person I highly recommend a designated space for meditation or solo reflection.
Shore
If you have Shores in your chart, you most likely will feel inspired when living on the balance between two worlds, like the land and sea. You work so well in transitional spaces: balconies, entryways, or rooms that bridge two areas. To reflect this energy around you, combine contrasting elements, such as soft and hard textures, or fluid and structured layouts. But it has to feel balanced to your nervous system and not clash too much in contrast. You will definitely benefit from bringing in water element to your home, to keep that feeling of a shore around you.
By the looks of it, you'd think I was a Kitchen or Market. But really, it’s just me in my creative Cave bubble. Sooner or later, I’ll feel overstimulated by all the artwork lying around and get the urge to make it scandi-clean again.
To understand my environment has been life changing for me! I can easily pick out what café to work from, what colour-trends to make a hard pass to and which spaces that supports or drain my system (both physically, mentally and energetically). And I also see this in my clients.
Tell me - what environment are you? If you don’t know you can check your free chart here.
XOXO, Maria.
